Mayor Lioneld Jordan handed Chambers Bank representatives a check for just over $3 million Wednesday.
The money will be used to buy land atop Mount Kessler in southwest Fayetteville. A $1.5 million contribution from the city, out of general fund reserve, will be matched in the coming weeks by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation. The Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association has also committed to raising $300,000 during the next three years to offset city taxpayers' investment.
The property, near the Cato Springs Road interchange on Interstate 540, features several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, along with unique rock formations, groves of more than 200-year-old oak trees and panoramic views of south Fayetteville and Farmington.
City officials have said the land will provide outdoor recreation and education opportunities in a natural setting next to a planned regional park.